Video display cap for parking pay station

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are parking pay stations, media display caps for parking pay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms including a housing, wherein at least one side of the housing comprises at least one transparent window and at least one media display screen visible through the window, wherein the media display screen is configured to display media to parking users and others, including pedestrians. Also disclosed are methods of retrofitting existing parking pay stations to upgrade them to include media display capability.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/969,224, filed on May 2, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/502,486, filed on May 5, 2017,each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parking pay stations are automated parking vending machines that managemultiple parking spaces, typically in garages, parking lots, and on thestreet. Numerous parking pay stations are currently in use around theworld and many additional parking pay stations will be installed in thecoming years.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Currently, parking pay stations are designed for a single, dedicatedfunction—vending rights to park in managed parking spaces. While manyparking pay stations are installed in prominent locations indensely-populated and highly-traveled urban centers, they are notconfigured to provide dual- or multi-use functionalities that leveragetheir installation locations. Moreover, parking users often directlyinteract with parking pay stations, but many are positioned such thatthey are in proximity to, and within view of, roads, sidewalks,walkways, storefronts, and parks, where pedestrians are plentiful.

The parking pay stations and video display caps for parking pay stationsdescribed herein offer several improvements over existing technologies.First, the subject matter described herein includes media displaycapability, including video display capability. Second, the subjectmatter described herein includes sensors that contribute toidentification of parking users and pedestrians. Third, the subjectmatter described herein includes connectivity to advertising networks toallow delivery of targeted advertising. Importantly, the subject matterdescribed herein allows for display of advertising media, includingvideo media, selected specifically for multiple users. In single screenembodiments, the subject matter described herein can display media formultiple users by timing the display of different media. In multi-screenembodiments, the subject matter described herein can display media formultiple users by displaying different media on different screens.Moreover, the video display caps upgrade, by retrofit (with or withoutan adapter), existing parking pay stations, thus adding utility andcommercial value to current infrastructure.

In one aspect, disclosed herein are parking pay station media displaycaps comprising: a housing comprising a top and four sides forming aninterior open at the bottom, at least one side of the housing comprisingat least one transparent window; a network communications elementconfigured to receive media via the network; and at least one mediadisplay screen positioned in the interior and visible through thewindow, the media display screen configured to display the mediareceived via the network. In some embodiments, the media is video. Infurther embodiments, the video is high-definition (HD) video. In someembodiments, the parking pay station media display cap comprises twomedia display screens. In further embodiments, the media display screenscomprise a first media display screen configured to display media to aparking user and a second media display screen configured to displaymedia to pedestrians. In other embodiments, the media display screenscomprise first and second media display screens configured to displaymedia to pedestrians. In some embodiments, the parking pay station mediadisplay cap comprises three media display screens. In furtherembodiments, the media display screens comprise a first media displayscreen configured to display media to a parking user and second andthird media display screens configured to display media to pedestrians.In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display cap furthercomprises an adapter on a bottom surface of the media display capconfigured to interface between the media display cap and a parking paystation. In further embodiments, the adaptor is removable. In someembodiments, the housing is weather- and vandalism-resistant. In someembodiments, the housing is graffiti-resistant. In some embodiments, theparking pay station media display cap further comprises one or moresensors. In further embodiments, the one or more sensors comprise acamera, a vehicle sensor, a pedestrian sensor, or a combination thereof.In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display cap furthercomprises at least one solar cell.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors detect vehicles, includingcollecting occupancy data from selected parking spaces. In someembodiments, the occupancy data collected comprise the number of parkingspaces occupied, the number of parking spaces still vacant, and/or theparking time expected or having been paid for each parking occupiedparking space. In some embodiments, the collected occupancy data arecommunicated to one or more remote servers or to a cloud computingsystem or other computing services. In some embodiments, the sensor thatcollects the occupancy data is a vehicle sensor.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors collect traffic data fromselected streets within the detection range of each individual sensor.In some embodiments, the sensor detects the number of vehicles passing aspecific position on the street within a previously determined timewindow. In some embodiments, the sensor detects the number of vehiclespassing an intersection between changes of the traffic light signals. Insome cases, the sensor detects the length of time of a vehicle remainingon or near the same position on the street, e.g., the length of time fora vehicle to move about 5 meters on the street. In some embodiments, thecollection of the traffic data can be periodical, e.g., every tenminutes or hourly, during the peak time, e.g., during special events orrush hours, in real-time, upon a command by a manager, e.g., in anemergency. In some embodiments, the collected traffic data arecommunicated to one or more remote servers or to a cloud computingsystem or other computing services. In some embodiments, the sensor thatcollects the traffic data is a vehicle sensor. In some embodiments, thesensor that collects the traffic data is a camera.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors collect pedestrian datafrom selected streets or parking lots within the detection range of eachindividual sensor. In some embodiments, the pedestrian is a viewer ofthe advertising displayed by the parking pay station. In someembodiments, the sensor detects the number of pedestrians passing aspecific position on the street within a previously determined timewindow. In some embodiments, the sensor detects the number ofpedestrians walking over a crossing on the street between changes of thetraffic light signals. In some cases, the sensor detects the length oftime of a pedestrian remaining on or near the same position on thestreet, e.g., the length of time for a pedestrian to move about 4 meterson the street. In some embodiments, the sensor, e.g., a camera, detectsa viewer, e.g., the user of the parking space or a pedestrian, whowatches the advertising displayed on the sensor-enabled parking paystations. In some embodiments, the sensor detects how long the viewerwatches the displayed advertising. In some embodiments, the sensordetects whether the viewer stops watching the displayed advertising whenthe media display changes to a different advertising or when the viewer,e.g. a diver, stops filling up his vehicle. In some embodiments, thesensor detects the characteristics of or associated with theviewer/pedestrian, e.g., a facial picture of the viewer/pedestrian, thelanguage used by the viewer/pedestrian, the vehicle driven by theviewer/pedestrian, the means to pay for the gas by theviewer/pedestrian, whether the viewer/pedestrian smokes, whether theviewer/pedestrian uses a Bluetooth device, etc. In some embodiments, thecollection of the pedestrian data can be periodical, e.g., every tenminutes or hourly, during the peak time, e.g., during special events orrush hours, in real-time, upon a command by a manager, e.g., in anemergency. In some embodiments, the collected pedestrian data arecommunicated to one or more remote servers or to a cloud computingsystem or service. In some embodiments, the sensor that collects thepedestrian data is a vehicle sensor. In some embodiments, the sensorthat collects the pedestrian data is a camera. In some embodiments, thesensor that collects the pedestrian data is a sound sensor. In someembodiments, the sensor that collects the pedestrian data is anenvironmental sensor.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors comprise a sensor detectingor measuring the presence of a Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth device isa personal mobile device, a cell phone, or smart phone. In someembodiments, the sensor detecting or measuring the presence of aBluetooth device interacts with the detected Bluetooth device within apredetermined range of the parking pay station, e.g., within 10 meters.In some embodiments, the sensor detecting or measuring the presence of aBluetooth device detects the number of Bluetooth devices within apredetermined range of the parking pay station, e.g., within 20 meters.In some embodiments, after the sensor detecting or measuring thepresence of a Bluetooth device detects a Bluetooth device, the parkingpay station or the media display cap associated with the sensorinteracts with the Bluetooth device, including a personal mobile devicesuch as a cell phone or smart phone. In some embodiments, the personalmobile device is that of a parking user or that of a pedestrian/viewerwho watches the advertising. In some embodiments, the parking paystation interacts with a detected Bluetooth device inside or associatedwith a vehicle, when the vehicle is parked in the proximity of theparking pay station or is driving within a predetermined range of theparking pay station, e.g., within 20 meters. In some embodiments, theparking pay station interacts with a detected Bluetooth device bysending information to or receiving information from the Bluetoothdevice.

In some embodiments, the data collected from one more sensors,comprising a camera, a vehicle sensor, a pedestrian sensor, anenvironmental sensor, or a combination thereof, are combined and analyzeto determine the reactions/behaviors of an average pedestrian/viewerafter watching one or more pieces of advertisement. In furtherembodiments, the data collected are combined and analyze to determinewhich advertisement among a plurality of similar advertisements elicitsmore favorable response from an average pedestrian/viewer. In someembodiments, the data collected are combined and analyze to determinethe ranking of popularity of a plurality of similar advertisements amongaverage pedestrians/viewers. In some embodiments, the data collected arecombined and analyze to determine or predict the possible preference fora pedestrian/viewer having one or more specific characteristics whenwatching a plurality of advertisements. In some embodiments, the datacollected are combined and analyze to determine or predict whichadvertisement would elicit favorable response from a pedestrian/viewerhaving one or more specific characteristics when watching a plurality ofadvertisements. In some embodiments, the specific characteristics of apedestrian/viewer are those that can be detected by the one or moresensors. In some embodiments, the data collected are combined andanalyzed to determine the appropriate parking rate for one or moreparking lots. In some embodiments, the parking rate for one or moreparking lots is determined based on the occupancy data, the trafficdata, the pedestrian data, the data of detected Bluetooth devices, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the parking rate for one ormore parking lots is determined based on predictions made frompreviously collected data or calculated trends. In some embodiments, theparking rate for one or more parking lots is determined based onpredictions based on both previously collected data and currentlycollected data. In some embodiments, the sensor detects vehiclesinstalled with and operated by semi-autonomous driving systems ordriving system. In some embodiments, after detecting such vehicleshaving self-driving or assisted-driving capabilities, the sensorestablishes contacts with the wireless devices of the driver of suchvehicles and provides information, including advertisement, to thedriver. In some embodiments, the sensor after detecting the wirelesscapability of a device of a driver/viewer/pedestrian interacts with thewireless device of the driver/viewer/pedestrian via wireless protocols.In some embodiments, the sensor after detecting the wireless capabilityof a vehicle driven by a driver interacts with the wireless component ofthe vehicle via wireless protocols. In some embodiments, the datacollected are sent to a third party, in real time or at pre-determinedintervals. In some embodiment, the third party is a company sendingadvertising to users.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are disclosed herein a retrofit kitcomprising: a media display cap comprising: a housing comprising a topand four sides forming an interior open at the bottom, at least one sideof the housing comprising at least one transparent window; a networkcommunications element configured to receive media via the network; atleast one media display screen positioned in the interior and visiblethrough the window, the media display screen configured to display themedia received via the network; and an adapter on a bottom surface ofthe media display cap configured to interface between the media displaycap and an existing parking meter. In some embodiments, a portion of theexisting parking meter is removed or modified to interface with theadapter. In some embodiments, no portion of the existing parking meteris removed or modified to interface with the adapter. In someembodiments, the adaptor is removable. In some embodiments, the retrofitkit further comprises a power supply to power the network communicationselement and the media display screen. In some embodiments, the retrofitkit further comprises an electrical connector to the existing parkingmeter to connect to a power supply of the existing parking meter. Insome embodiments, the media is video. In further embodiments, the videois high-definition (HD) video. In some embodiments, the media displaycap comprises two media display screens. In further embodiments, themedia display screens comprise a first media display screen configuredto display media to a parking user and a second media display screenconfigured to display media to pedestrians. In other embodiments, themedia display screens comprise first and second media display screensconfigured to display media to pedestrians. In some embodiments, themedia display cap comprises three media display screens. In furtherembodiments, the media display screens comprise a first media displayscreen configured to display media to a parking user and second andthird media display screens configured to display media to pedestrians.In some embodiments, the housing is weather- and vandalism-resistant. Insome embodiments, the housing is graffiti-resistant. In someembodiments, the media display cap further comprises one or moresensors. In further embodiments, the one or more sensors comprise acamera, a vehicle sensor, a pedestrian sensor, an environmental sensor,or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the media display capfurther comprises at least one solar cell.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are parking pay stations comprising:a network communications element configured to receive media via thenetwork; and a media display cap comprising: a housing comprising a topand four sides forming an interior, at least one side of the housingcomprising at least one transparent window; and at least one mediadisplay screen positioned in the interior and visible through thewindow, the media display screen configured to display the mediareceived via the network. In some embodiments, the media is video. Infurther embodiments, the video is high-definition video. In someembodiments, the media display cap comprises two media display screens.In further embodiments, the media display screens comprise a first mediadisplay screen configured to display media to a parking user and asecond media display screen configured to display media to pedestrians.In other embodiments, the media display screens comprise first andsecond media display screens configured to display media to pedestrians.In some embodiments, the media display cap comprises three media displayscreens. In further embodiments, the media display screens comprise afirst media display screen configured to display media to a parking userand second and third media display screens configured to display mediato pedestrians. In some embodiments, the parking pay station furthercomprises an adapter on a bottom surface of the media display capconfigured to interface between the media display cap and a parking paystation. In further embodiments, the adaptor is removable. In someembodiments, the housing is weather- and vandalism-resistant. In someembodiments, the housing is graffiti-resistant. In some embodiments, themedia display cap further comprises one or more sensors. In furtherembodiments, the one or more sensors comprise a camera, a vehiclesensor, a pedestrian sensor, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the media display cap further comprises at least one solarcell.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are parking pay station advertisingplatforms comprising: a plurality of parking pay stations, each parkingpay station comprising: a network communications element configured toreceive at least first media and second media via the network; and amedia display cap comprising: a housing comprising: a top and four sidesforming an interior; a first transparent window in a first side of thehousing; and a second transparent window in a second side of thehousing; a first media display screen positioned in the interior andvisible through the first window, the first media display screenconfigured to display the first media received via the network; and asecond media display screen positioned in the interior and visiblethrough the second window, the second media display screen configured todisplay the second media received via the network; and a serverprocessor configured to provide a centralized advertising applicationcomprising: a software module identifying a parking user engaged withone of the parking pay stations; a software module determining the firstmedia based on at least the identity of the parking user andtransmitting the first media via the network to the parking pay station;and a software module determining the second media based on at least thelocation of the pay station and transmitting the first media via thenetwork to the parking pay station. In some embodiments, the first mediaand the second media are video. In further embodiments, the video ishigh-definition video. In some embodiments, the first media is displayedto the parking user on the first media display screen. In someembodiments, the second media is displayed to pedestrians on the secondmedia display screen. In some embodiments, each parking pay stationfurther comprises one or more sensors. In further embodiments, the oneor more sensors comprise a camera, a vehicle sensor, a pedestriansensor, or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the one ormore sensors comprises a camera, the network communications element isfurther configured to transmit camera data via the network, and thecentralized advertising application further comprises a software moduleperforming biometric recognition on the camera data to determine theidentity of the parking user. In another particular embodiment, the oneor more sensors comprises a camera, the network communications elementis further configured to transmit camera data via the network, thecentralized advertising application further comprises a software moduleapplying one or more computer vision algorithms to the camera data todetermine one or more characteristics of at least one pedestrian, andthe second media is further determined based on the one or morecharacteristics of the at least one pedestrian.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are methods of upgrading a parkingpay station, the method comprising: disengaging an upper portion of anexisting parking pay station; removing the upper portion; and replacingthe upper potion with a media display cap comprising: a housingcomprising a top and four sides forming an interior open at the bottom,at least one side of the housing comprising at least one transparentwindow; a network communications element configured to receive media viathe network; and at least one media display screen positioned in theinterior and visible through the window, the media display screenconfigured to display the media received via the network; therebyupgrading the existing parking pay station. In some embodiments, theupper portion of the existing parking pay station is a standard cap. Insome embodiments, the upper portion of the existing parking pay stationcomprises one or more solar cells. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises engaging the media display cap with the existingparking pay station. In some embodiments, the media display cap furthercomprises one or more solar cells. In some embodiments, the mediadisplay cap further comprises one or more sensors. In furtherembodiments, the one or more sensors comprise a camera, a vehiclesensor, a pedestrian sensor, or a combination thereof.

In another aspects disclosed herein is a parking pay station comprisinga media display cap comprising: a housing comprising a top and foursides forming an interior open at the bottom, at least one side of thehousing comprising at least one transparent window; a networkcommunications element configured to receive media via the network; andat least one media display screen positioned in the interior and visiblethrough the window, the media display screen configured to display themedia received via the network.

In another aspects disclosed herein is a parking pay station advertisingplatform comprising: a plurality of parking pay stations, each parkingpay station comprising a media display cap comprising: a housingcomprising a top and four sides forming an interior open at the bottom,at least one side of the housing comprising at least one transparentwindow; a network communications element configured to receive media viathe network; and at least one media display screen positioned in theinterior and visible through the window, the media display screenconfigured to display the media received via the network; and a serverprocessor configured to provide a centralized advertising applicationcomprising: a software module identifying a parking user engaged withone of the plurality of parking pay stations; a software moduledetermining the media based and transmitting the media via the networkto the media display cap, wherein the media is determined based on atleast the identity of the parking user, at least the location of the paystation, or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the features and advantages of the presentinvention will be obtained by reference to the following detaileddescription that sets forth illustrative embodiments and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of parking pay station 100; in thiscase, an IPS Group MS1 parking pay station including a video display capwith a media display screen on the front of the pay station;

FIG. 2 shows an expanded view of the upper portion of the non-limitingexample of parking pay station 100 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows another non-limiting example of a parking pay station;

FIG. 4 shows still another non-limiting example of parking pay station400; in this case, a parking pay station including a video display capwith two media display screens, one on each of the left and right sidesof the pay station;

FIG. 5 shows an expanded view of the upper portion of the non-limitingexample of parking pay station 400 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows another non-limiting example of a parking pay station;

FIG. 7 shows still another non-limiting example of a parking paystation;

FIG. 8 show a non-limiting example of parking pay station 800; in thiscase, a parking pay station including a video display cap with threemedia display screens, one on the front of the pay station, and one ofeach of the left and right sides of the pay station;

FIG. 9 shows an expanded view of the upper portion of the non-limitingexample of parking pay station 800 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows three non-limiting examples of parking pay stations; inthese cases, parking pay stations with one or two media display screensand showing alternative configurations;

FIG. 11 shows a non-limiting example of parking pay station 1100; inthis case, a parking pay station including a video display cap with twomedia display screens in a vertical (portrait) orientation, one displayscreen on each of the left and right sides of the pay station;

FIG. 12 shows an expanded view of the upper portion of the non-limitingexample of parking pay station 1100 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows the front view and rear view of another non-limitingexample of a parking pay station;

FIG. 14 shows still another non-limiting example of a parking paystation;

FIG. 15 shows a non-limiting examples of a parking pay station; in thiscase, a parking pay station including a video display cap with two mediadisplay screens in a horizontal (landscape) orientation, one displayscreen on each of the left and right sides of the pay station;

FIG. 16 shows another non-limiting example of a parking pay station;

FIG. 17 shows a non-limiting examples of parking pay station 1700; inthis case, a parking pay station including a video display cap with twomedia display screens in a vertical (portrait) orientation, one displayscreen on each of the left and right sides of the pay station;

FIG. 18 shows an expanded view of the upper portion of the non-limitingexample of parking pay station 1700 in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows the front view and rear view of another non-limitingexample of a parking pay station;

FIG. 20 shows still another non-limiting example of a parking paystation;

FIG. 21 shows six non-limiting examples of parking pay stations; inthese cases, parking pay stations with two media display screens andshowing alternative configurations; and

FIG. 22 shows three non-limiting examples of parking pay stationsshowing alternative configurations; in these cases, parking pay stationsupgraded to have improved media display capability by retrofit with avideo display cap described herein, wherein the video display capincludes one or two media display screens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein, in certain embodiments, are parking pay station mediadisplay caps comprising: a housing comprising a top and four sidesforming an interior open at the bottom, at least one side of the housingcomprising at least one transparent window; a network communicationselement configured to receive media via the network; and at least onemedia display screen positioned in the interior and visible through thewindow, the media display screen configured to display the mediareceived via the network.

Also described herein, in certain embodiments, are parking pay stationscomprising: a network communications element configured to receive mediavia the network; and a media display cap comprising: a housingcomprising a top and four sides forming an interior, at least one sideof the housing comprising at least one transparent window; and at leastone media display screen positioned in the interior and visible throughthe window, the media display screen configured to display the mediareceived via the network.

Also described herein, in certain embodiments, are parking pay stationadvertising platforms comprising: a plurality of parking pay stations,each parking pay station comprising: a network communications elementconfigured to receive at least first media and second media via thenetwork; and a media display cap comprising: a housing comprising: a topand four sides forming an interior; a first transparent window in afirst side of the housing; and a second transparent window in a secondside of the housing; a first media display screen positioned in theinterior and visible through the first window, the first media displayscreen configured to display the first media received via the network;and a second media display screen positioned in the interior and visiblethrough the second window, the second media display screen configured todisplay the second media received via the network; and a serverprocessor configured to provide a centralized advertising applicationcomprising: a software module identifying a parking user engaged withone of the parking pay stations; a software module determining the firstmedia based on at least the identity of the parking user andtransmitting the first media via the network to the parking pay station;and a software module determining the second media based on at least thelocation of the pay station and transmitting the first media via thenetwork to the parking pay station.

Also described herein, in certain embodiments, are methods of upgradinga parking pay station, the method comprising: disengaging an upperportion of an existing parking pay station; removing the upper portion;and replacing the upper potion with a media display cap comprising: ahousing comprising a top and four sides forming an interior open at thebottom, at least one side of the housing comprising at least onetransparent window; a network communications element configured toreceive media via the network; and at least one media display screenpositioned in the interior and visible through the window, the mediadisplay screen configured to display the media received via the network;thereby upgrading the existing parking pay station.

Certain Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich this invention belongs. As used in this specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any referenceto “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwisestated.

Parking Pay Station

In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display caps, parkingpay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms, and methodsdescribed herein include a parking pay station, or use of the same. Insome embodiments, a parking pay station includes a video display cap atthe time of its manufacture or installation.

In other embodiments, a video display cap is added to an existingparking pay station after its manufacture or installation. In suchembodiments, addition of the video display cap upgrades the parking paystation by way of retrofit. In a particular embodiment, an existingupper portion, such as a cap, of an existing parking pay station isremoved and replaced with a video display cap to upgrade the parking paystation by way of retrofit. In some embodiments, an adapter is utilizedbetween the existing parking pay station and the video display cap toallow for accurate fitment. In further embodiments, the subject matterdescribed herein includes upgrade or retrofit kits comprising a videodisplay cap and one or more adapters. A wide variety of existing parkingpay stations are suitable for upgrade with the video display caps andparking pay station advertising platforms described herein.

In some embodiments, a media display cap described herein is compatiblewith, and can be retrofitted to, a wide range of existing meters.Further, media display cap is designed such that the internal componentsother than the media display screen are not visible at all from theoutside, thereby protecting the media display cap and the parking meteragainst possible acts of vandalism. Parking meters or parking paystations fitted with the media display caps described herein can beserviced easily.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides a convenientupgrade procedure to add media displaying capability to an existingparking meter by requiring only the simple step of installing a mediadisplay cap onto an existing meter. In some embodiments, the mediadisplay cap described herein is self-contained, having an independentpower source and communications element (e.g., network communicationselement). In further embodiments, the media display cap described hereindoes not require an electrical connection to an existing meter. Forexample, in some embodiments, the media display cap is physicallyassociated with an existing meter and optionally in wirelesscommunication with the existing parking meter mechanism, but does notrequire a functional, wired, electrical connection to any component ofthe existing meter. This feature facilitates rapid, low-cost upgrades,reduces operating and maintenance costs, and results in a more modularsystem that is easier to upgrade further in the future. In otherembodiments, the video/media displaying cap comprise an electricalconnection to an existing meter, including a functional, wired,electrical connection to the power source and/or communications systemof the existing parking meter.

In some embodiments, old street parking meters are phased out andreplaced by meters that are enabled to display media contents.Replacement and installation of an entirely new unit is costly forcities, municipalities, or other authorities in charge of street parkingmeters, thereby causing eventual increase in parking rates to recoverthe cost of purchase and installation. Moreover, replacement andinstallation of an entirely new unit creates electronic waste. The mediadisplay cap described in the present invention, offers a cost effectiveand environmentally-friendly solution to the problem. The media displaycap of the present invention can be easily fitted to existing streetparking meters, even those that have previously been upgraded byreplacing the internal meter mechanism. These replacements further allowfor video/media display cap replacement, upgrades, or additions.Installations of media display capability in existing street meterstypically involve excessive road work, drilling, and infrastructuremodifications on street lights, utility poles, and underground wiring.The replacement, upgrade, or addition of the media displaying capabilityusing a media display described in the present invention or an upgradeto the media display cap described in the present invention reduceswaste, is easier to install, and is cheaper to maintain.

In certain embodiments, the media display cap of the present inventionis completely solar powered. Street parking meters that are upgradedusing a solar powered media display caps described herein do not needbatteries to operate. This feature further reduces the operating cost ofthe street parking meters that are upgraded with the media displaysdescribed herein. In other embodiments, the media display cap iscompletely battery powered, completely wire powered, and/or optionallysolar powered.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a particular embodiment, a parking paystation 100 comprises a media display cap 110 comprising a media displayscreen 120 on the front panel of the media display cap 110 facing aparking user when the parking user is using the parking pay station 100to pay parking fees. The media display cap 110 optionally comprisessolar panel, e.g., on the top of media display cap 110. The mediadisplay cap 110 optionally comprises an adapter 130 on a bottom surfaceof media display cap 110. The adapter 130 is configured to interfacebetween the media display cap 110 and a parking meter 140 such that themedia display cap 110 can retrofit the parking meter 140 and add videodisplaying capacity to the parking meter 140. The media display cap 110optionally comprises one or more sensors comprising a camera, a vehiclesensor, a pedestrian sensor, or a combination thereof. The one or moresensors are described below in more details.

Referring to FIG. 3, in a particular embodiment, a front view (panel A)and a side view (panel B) of a parking pay station are shown. As shownin panel A, the parking pay station is about 1,670 mm in height. Thewidth of both the media display cap and the parking meter is about 320mm in width when viewing from the front face of the parking pay station.In addition, the media display screen is about 150 mm in height. As showin panel B, the parking pay station comprises a slanted top surface andthe width of the side panel is about 300 mm. The parking pay stationoptionally comprises a solar panel, e.g., on the slanted top face. Theparking pay station optionally comprises a parking sign of “P” on atleast one side panel. The media display cap, shown as “new advertisementmodule” in panel B, comprises a 7″ screen as the media display screen.In this particular embodiment, the parking pay station is an MS1 parkingmachine and the media display screen is facing a parking user when theparking user is using the parking pay station to pay parking fees.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in a particular embodiment, a parking paystation 400 comprises a media display cap 410 comprising a media displayscreen 421 on the right side panel of the media display cap 410 and amedia display screen 422 (not shown) on the left side panel of the mediadisplay cap 410 when the parking user is facing the front panel of theparking pay station 400 to pay parking fees. The media display cap 410optionally comprises solar panel, e.g., on the top of media display cap410. The media display cap 410 optionally comprises an adapter 430 on abottom surface of media display cap 410. The adapter 430 is configuredto interface between the media display cap 410 and a parking meter 440such that the media display cap 410 can retrofit the parking meter 440and add video displaying capacity to the parking meter 440. The mediadisplay cap 410 optionally comprises one or more sensors comprising acamera, a vehicle sensor, a pedestrian sensor, or a combination thereof.The one or more sensors are described below in more details.

Referring to FIG. 6, in a particular embodiment, a front view (panel A)and a side view (panel B) of a parking pay station are shown. As shownin panel A, the parking pay station is about 1,580 mm in height. Thewidth of both the media display cap and the parking meter is about 320mm in width when viewing from the front face of the parking pay station.In addition, the media display cap is about 278 mm in height. There isno media display screen on the front panel of the media display cap. Asshow in panel B, the parking pay station comprises a slanted top surfaceand the width of the side panel is about 300 mm. The parking pay stationoptionally comprises a solar panel, e.g., on the slanted top face. Theparking pay station optionally comprises a parking sign of “P” on atleast one side panel. The media display cap, shown as “new advertisementmodule” in panel B, comprises two 7″ screens as the media displayscreens. One of the media display screens is on the right side panel ofthe media display cap while the other is on the left side panel of themedia display cap. In addition, the media display cap comprises anintegrated rain gutter design at or near the bottom face of the mediadisplay cap such that collected precipitation (rain or snow) can bedrained. In some embodiments, the integrated rain gutter design is partof the adapter that is configured to interface between the media displaycap and a parking meter so that the parking meter can be retro fit withthe media display cap. In this particular embodiment, the parking paystation is an MS1 parking machine and the media display screen is notfacing a parking user when the parking user is using the parking paystation to pay parking fees. Rather, the media display screens on theside panels can be viewed by passers-by when a parking user is using theparking pay station to pay parking fees.

Referring to FIG. 7, in a particular embodiment, a front view (panel A)and a side view (panel B) of a parking pay station are shown. As shownin panel A, the parking pay station is about 1,630 mm in height. Thewidth of both the media display cap and the parking meter is about 320mm in width when viewing from the front face of the parking pay station.In addition, the media display cap is about 328 mm in height. There isno media display screen on the front panel of the media display cap. Asshow in panel B, the parking pay station comprises a slanted top surfaceand the width of the side panel is about 300 mm. The parking pay stationoptionally comprises a solar panel, e.g., on the slanted top face. Theparking pay station optionally comprises a parking sign of “P” on atleast one side panel. The media display cap, shown as “new advertisementmodule” in panel B, comprises two 7″ screens as the media displayscreens. One of the media display screens is on the right side panel ofthe media display cap while the other is on the left side panel of themedia display cap. In addition, the media display cap comprises anintegrated rain gutter design at or near the bottom face of the mediadisplay cap such that collected precipitation (rain or snow) can bedrained. In some embodiments, the integrated rain gutter design is partof the adapter that is configured to interface between the media displaycap and a parking meter so that the parking meter can be retro fit withthe media display cap. In this particular embodiment, the parking paystation is an MS1 parking machine and the media display screen is notfacing a parking user when the parking user is using the parking paystation to pay parking fees. Rather, the media display screens on theside panels can be viewed by passers-by when a parking user is using theparking pay station to pay parking fees.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in a particular embodiment, a parking paystation 800 comprises a media display cap 810 comprising a media displayscreen 820 on the front panel of the media display cap 810, a mediadisplay screen 821 on the right side panel of the media display cap 810and a media display screen 822 (not shown) on the left side panel of themedia display cap 810 when the parking user is facing the front panel ofthe parking pay station 800 to pay parking fees. The media display cap810 optionally comprises solar panel, e.g., on the top of media displaycap 810. The media display cap 810 optionally comprises an adapter 830on a bottom surface of media display cap 810. The adapter 830 isconfigured to interface between the media display cap 810 and a parkingmeter 840 such that the media display cap 810 can retrofit the parkingmeter 840 and add video displaying capacity to the parking meter 840.The media display cap 810 optionally comprises one or more sensorscomprising a camera, a vehicle sensor, a pedestrian sensor, or acombination thereof. The one or more sensors are described below in moredetails.

Referring to FIG. 10, in a particular embodiment, perspective views ofthree parking pay stations are shown in panels A, B and C. As shown inpanel A, the media display cap comprises a curved and slanted topsurface, and at least one media display screen on the front panel of themedia display cap such that when a parking user is paying parking fees,the parking user can view the contents from the media display screen.The parking pay station also comprises a parking meter underneath andinterfaced with the media display cap. As shown in panel B, the mediadisplay cap comprises a slanted top surface, and two media displayscreens (only one is shown) on each of the side panels of the mediadisplay cap respectively such that when a parking user is paying parkingfees, a passer-by can view the contents from the media display screenwithout being blocked by the parking user. The parking pay station alsocomprises a parking meter underneath and interfaced with the mediadisplay cap. As shown in panel C, the media display cap comprises aslanted top surface, a symbol of “P” to indicate parking on at least oneside panel of the parking pay station, and two media display screens(only one is shown) on each of the side panels of the media display caprespectively such that when a parking user is paying parking fees, apasser-by can view the contents from the media display screen withoutbeing blocked by the parking user. The parking pay station alsocomprises a parking meter underneath and interfaced with the mediadisplay cap. In addition, the parking pay station can have various sizesin height and width, different designs for the adapter configured tointerface between the media display cap and a parking meter so that theparking meter can be retro fit with the media display cap, and differentdesigns for the integrated rain gutter design at or near the bottom faceof the media display cap such that collected precipitation (rain orsnow) can be drained, as shown in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in a particular embodiment, a parking paystation 1100 comprises a media display cap 1110 comprising a mediadisplay screen 1120 on the right side panel of the media display cap1110, and a media display screen 1121 (not shown) on the left side panelof the media display cap 1110 when the parking user is facing the frontpanel of the parking pay station 1100 to pay parking fees. The mediadisplay cap 1110 optionally comprises solar panel, e.g., on the topsurface or any of the side panels of media display cap 1110. The mediadisplay cap 1110 optionally comprises an adapter 1130 on a bottomsurface of media display cap 1110. The adapter 1130 is configured tointerface between the media display cap 1110 and a parking meter 1140such that the media display cap 1110 can retrofit the parking meter 1140and add video displaying capacity to the parking meter 1140. The mediadisplay cap 1110 optionally comprises one or more sensors comprising acamera, a vehicle sensor, a pedestrian sensor, or a combination thereof.The one or more sensors are described below in more details. The mediadisplay cap 1110 adopts an irregular shape in such a way that width ofthe media display cap 1110, at least in certain part, is narrower thanthe width of the parking meter 1140 on one dimension. In otherembodiments, width of the media display cap 1110, at least in certainpart, is wider than the width of the parking meter 1140 on onedimension. For example, when the screen size of the media display screen1120 is larger such that the total width of the media display cap 1110is larger than the width of the parking meter 1140 on the side panel.The media display cap 1110 or the parking pay station optionallycomprise a sign of “P” on at least one of the side panels. The rightside panel of media display cap 1110 is curved on the bottom part tomatch the narrower width of the parking meter.

FIG. 13 shows perspective views of the front view (panel A) and rearview (panel B) of a parking pay station having two media display screenon side panels. As shown in panel A, the media display cap comprises acurved top surface, and one media display screen on the right side panelof the media display cap such that when a parking user is paying parkingfees, a passer-by can view the contents from the media display screen onthe right side panel without being blocked by the parking user. Bothmedia display screens are in portrait orientation as shown. The parkingpay station also comprises a parking meter underneath and interfacedwith the media display cap. The media display cap is in an irregularshape in that for the front panel the width of the top portion of themedia display cap is narrower than the width of the bottom portion ofthe media display cap as shown in panel A. As shown in panel B, themedia display cap comprises a curved top surface, and one media displayscreen on the left side panel of the media display cap such that when aparking user is paying parking fees, a passer-by can view the contentsfrom the media display screen on the left side panel without beingblocked by the parking user. The parking pay station also comprises aparking meter underneath and interfaced with the media display cap. Themedia display cap is in an irregular shape in that for the back panelthe width of the top portion of the media display cap is narrower thanthe width of the bottom portion of the media display cap as shown inpanel B. Both the left and right side panels display the symbol “P” toindicating parking.

Referring to FIG. 14, in a particular embodiment, a front view (panel A)and a side view (panel B) of a parking pay station are shown. As shownin panel A, the parking pay station is about 2,270 mm in height with theparking meter having a height of about 1300 mm in the lower portion ofthe parking pay station. The width of the parking meter is about 320 mmin width when viewing from the front face of the parking pay station.The bottom face of the media display cap has a width of about 320 mm onthe front panel. In addition, the media display cap is about 970 mm inheight with an irregular shape for the front panel. Specifically, forthe front panel the top portion is about 520 mm in height andsubstantially rectangular with a curved top, while the bottom portion isabout 450 mm in height and substantially a right trapezoid. There is nomedia display screen on the front panel of the media display cap. Asshow in panel B, the width of the side panel for the top portion of themedia display cap is about 358 mm and substantially rectangular, with a19 inch video display screen (about 420 mm (h)×240 mm(w) in dimensions).As shown the video display screen is in the portrait orientation withits bottom edge about 1750 mm above the bottom edge of the parking paystation. The width of side panel for the parking meter on the lower partof the parking pay station is about 300 mm. The parking pay stationoptionally comprises a solar panel, e.g., on the curved top or any ofthe side panels. The parking pay station optionally comprises a parkingsign of “P” on at least one side panel. One of the media display screensis on the right side panel of the media display cap while the other ison the left side panel of the media display cap. Both media displayscreens are 19 inch video display screens. In addition, the mediadisplay cap optionally comprises an integrated rain gutter design (notshown) at or near the bottom face of the media display cap such thatcollected precipitation (rain or snow) can be drained. In someembodiments, the integrated rain gutter design is part of the adapterthat is configured to interface between the media display cap and aparking meter so that the parking meter can be retro fit with the mediadisplay cap. In this particular embodiment, the parking pay station isan MS1 parking machine and the media display screen is not facing aparking user when the parking user is using the parking pay station topay parking fees. Rather, the media display screens on the side panelscan be viewed by passers-by when a parking user is using the parking paystation to pay parking fees.

FIG. 15 shows perspective views of the front view (panel A) and rearview (panel B) of a parking pay station having two media display screenon side panels. As shown in panel A, the media display cap comprises acurved top surface, and one media display screen on the right side panelof the media display cap such that when a parking user is paying parkingfees, a passer-by can view the contents from the media display screen onthe right side panel without being blocked by the parking user. Bothmedia display screens are in landscape orientation as shown. The parkingpay station also comprises a parking meter underneath and interfacedwith the media display cap. The media display cap is in an irregularshape in that for the front panel the width of the top portion of themedia display cap is narrower than the width of the bottom portion ofthe media display cap, while for the side panels the width of the topportion of the media display cap is wider than the width of the bottomportion of the media display cap to accommodate the size of the mediadisplay screen, as shown in panel A. As shown in panel B, the mediadisplay cap comprises a curved top surface, and one media display screenon the left side panel of the media display cap such that when a parkinguser is paying parking fees, a passer-by can view the contents from themedia display screen on the left side panel without being blocked by theparking user. The parking pay station also comprises a parking meterunderneath and interfaced with the media display cap. The media displaycap is in an irregular shape in that for the back panel the width of thetop portion of the media display cap is narrower than the width of thebottom portion of the media display cap, while for the side panels thewidth of the top portion of the media display cap is wider than thewidth of the bottom portion of the media display cap to accommodate thesize of the media display screen, as shown in panel B. Both the left andright side panels display the symbol “P” to indicating parking.

Referring to FIG. 16, in a particular embodiment, a front view (panel A)and a side view (panel B) of a parking pay station are shown. As shownin panel A, the parking pay station is about 2,090 mm in height with theparking meter having a height of about 1300 mm in the lower portion ofthe parking pay station. The width of the parking meter is about 320 mmin width when viewing from the front face of the parking pay station.The bottom face of the media display cap has a width of about 320 mm onthe front panel. In addition, the media display cap is about 790 mm inheight with an irregular shape for the front panel. Specifically, forthe front panel the top portion is about 340 mm in height and 200 mm inwidth, and substantially rectangular with a curved top, while the bottomportion is about 450 mm in height and substantially a right trapezoidwith a top width of about 200 mm and bottom width of about 320 mm. Thereis no media display screen on the front panel of the media display cap.As show in panel B, the width of the side panel for the top portion ofthe media display cap is about 508 mm and substantially rectangular toaccommodate a 19 inch video display screen (about 240 mm (h)×420 mm(w)in dimensions). As shown the video display screen is in the landscapeorientation. The width of the side panel for the parking meter on thelower part of the parking pay station is substantially a right trapezoidwith a top width of about 508 mm and bottom width of about 300 mm. Theparking pay station optionally comprises a solar panel, e.g., on thecurved top or any of the side panels. The parking pay station optionallycomprises a parking sign of “P” on at least one side panel. One of themedia display screens is on the right side panel of the media displaycap while the other is on the left side panel of the media display cap.Both media display screens are 19 inch video display screens. Inaddition, the media display cap optionally comprises an integrated raingutter design (not shown) at or near the bottom face of the mediadisplay cap such that collected precipitation (rain or snow) can bedrained. In some embodiments, the integrated rain gutter design is partof the adapter that is configured to interface between the media displaycap and a parking meter so that the parking meter can be retro fit withthe media display cap. In this particular embodiment, the parking paystation is an MS1 parking machine and the media display screen is notfacing a parking user when the parking user is using the parking paystation to pay parking fees. Rather, the media display screens on theside panels can be viewed by passers-by when a parking user is using theparking pay station to pay parking fees.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in a particular embodiment, a parking paystation 1700 comprises a media display cap 1710 comprising a mediadisplay screen 1720 on the right side panel of the media display cap1710, and a media display screen 1721 (not shown) on the left side panelof the media display cap 1710 when the parking user is facing the frontpanel of the parking pay station 1700 to pay parking fees. The mediadisplay cap 1710 optionally comprises solar panel, e.g., on the topsurface or any of the side panels of media display cap 1710. The mediadisplay cap 1710 optionally comprises an adapter 1730 on a bottomsurface of media display cap 1710. The adapter 1730 is configured tointerface between the media display cap 1710 and a parking meter 1740such that the media display cap 1710 can retrofit the parking meter 1740and add video displaying capacity to the parking meter 1740. The mediadisplay cap 1710 optionally comprises one or more sensors comprising acamera, a vehicle sensor, a pedestrian sensor, or a combination thereof.The one or more sensors are described below in more details. The mediadisplay cap 1710 adopts an irregular shape in such a way that width ofthe media display cap 1710, at least in certain part, is narrower thanthe width of the parking meter 1740 on one dimension. In otherembodiments, width of the media display cap 1710, at least in certainpart, is wider than the width of the parking meter 1740 on onedimension. For example, when the screen size of the media display screen1720 is larger such that the total width of the media display cap 1710is larger than the width of the parking meter 1740 on the side panel.The media display cap 1710 or the parking pay station optionallycomprise a sign of “P” on at least one of the side panels. The rightside panel of media display cap 1710 is curved on the bottom part tomatch the narrower width of the parking meter.

FIG. 19 shows perspective views of the front view (panel A) and rearview (panel B) of a parking pay station having two media display screenon side panels. As shown in panel A, the media display cap comprises acurved top surface, and one media display screen on the right side panelof the media display cap such that when a parking user is paying parkingfees, a passer-by can view the contents from the media display screen onthe right side panel without being blocked by the parking user. Bothmedia display screens are in portrait orientation as shown. The parkingpay station also comprises a parking meter underneath and interfacedwith the media display cap. The media display cap is in an irregularshape in that for the front panel the width of the top portion of themedia display cap is narrower than the width of the bottom portion ofthe media display cap, while for the side panels the width of the topportion of the media display cap is wider than the width of the bottomportion of the media display cap to accommodate the size of the mediadisplay screen, as shown in panel A. As shown in panel B, the mediadisplay cap comprises a curved top surface, and one media display screenon the left side panel of the media display cap such that when a parkinguser is paying parking fees, a passer-by can view the contents from themedia display screen on the left side panel without being blocked by theparking user. The parking pay station also comprises a parking meterunderneath and interfaced with the media display cap. The media displaycap is in an irregular shape in that for the back panel the width of thetop portion of the media display cap is narrower than the width of thebottom portion of the media display cap, while for the side panels thewidth of the top portion of the media display cap is wider than thewidth of the bottom portion of the media display cap to accommodate thesize of the media display screen, as shown in panel B. Both the left andright side panels display the parking sign “P” to indicating parking.

Referring to FIG. 20, in a particular embodiment, a front view (panel A)and a side view (panel B) of a parking pay station are shown. As shownin panel A, the parking pay station is about 2,550 mm in height with theparking meter having a height of about 1300 mm in the lower portion ofthe parking pay station. The width of the parking meter is about 320 mmin width when viewing from the front face of the parking pay station.The bottom face of the media display cap has a width of about 320 mm onthe front panel. In addition, the media display cap is about 1250 mm inheight with an irregular shape for the front panel. Specifically, forthe front panel the top portion is about 800 mm in height and about 200mm in width, and substantially rectangular with a curved top, while thebottom portion is about 450 mm in height and substantially an isoscelestrapezoid with a top width of about 200 mm and a bottom width of about320 mm. There is no media display screen on the front panel of the mediadisplay cap. As show in panel B, the side panel for the top portion ofthe media display cap is substantially rectangular with 800 mm (h)×484mm (w) in dimensions to accommodate a video display screen (about 700 mm(h)×400 mm (w) in dimensions). As shown the video display screen is inthe portrait orientation. The width of side panel for the parking meteron the lower part of the parking pay station is substantially a righttrapezoid with a top width of 484 mm and bottom width of 300 mm. Theparking pay station optionally comprises a solar panel, e.g., on thecurved top or any of the side panels. The parking pay station optionallycomprises a parking sign of “P” on at least one side panel. One of themedia display screens is on the right side panel of the media displaycap while the other is on the left side panel of the media display cap.In addition, the media display cap optionally comprises an integratedrain gutter design (not shown) at or near the bottom face of the mediadisplay cap such that collected precipitation (rain or snow) can bedrained. In some embodiments, the integrated rain gutter design is partof the adapter that is configured to interface between the media displaycap and a parking meter so that the parking meter can be retro fit withthe media display cap. In this particular embodiment, the parking paystation is an MS1 parking machine and the media display screen is notfacing a parking user when the parking user is using the parking paystation to pay parking fees. Rather, the media display screens on theside panels can be viewed by passers-by when a parking user is using theparking pay station to pay parking fees.

Referring to FIG. 21, in a particular embodiment, six different parkingpay stations are shown in panels A-F, all of which have two mediadisplay screens on the side panels of the media display cap and themedia display screen are in portrait orientations. Specifically, panelsA-C show media display caps that have openings above and/or below themedia display screens to allow free flow of air. Such designs haveadvantages, such as, for example, providing better ventilation for andcooling of the media display screens, or providing a space to placeadvertising materials. In addition, panels D and F show media displaycaps that use a vertical side bar to secure the media display screens byone side. The vertical side bar has a bent top portion in panel D whilethe vertical side bar is straight in panel F. A solar panel canoptionally be placed on the side bars, for example, on the bent part ofthe side bar in panel D. Again such designs provide better ventilationfor and cooling of the media display screens. Panel E shows a mediadisplay cap that has an irregular bottom portion to connect the topportion of the media display cap with the parking meter underneath themedia display cap. Such a design accommodates any geometric limitationsof the location where the parking meter is located, such as, forexample, the space above the parking meter is blocked in any way byother structures. In all cases, the media display caps optionallydisplay a parking sign of “P” on at least one side panel or on the sidebars as shown.

Referring to FIG. 22, different configurations of parking pay stationscomprising an existing parking meter and a media display cap are shownin panels A-C. Panel A shows an existing parking meter is refitted witha media display cap having one media display screen facing a parkinguser when the parking user is using the parking meter. In addition,Panel B shows an existing parking meter is refitted with a media displaycap having two media display screens on side panels such that when aparking user is using the parking meter, the parking user is notblocking the two media display screens on side panels. Furthermore,Panel B shows another upgraded parking pay station. In this example theexisting parking meter is refitted with a media display cap having twomedia display screens on side panels such that when a parking user isusing the parking meter, the parking user is not blocking the two mediadisplay screens on side panels. As shown in panel A-C, the sizes of themedia display screens are different, the size of the media display capare different, and the places to put the media display screens on themedia display cap are different. The choice of different configurationsof the media display cap to refit existing parking meters is based onvarious factors, including but not limited to, the availability of powerfor the added media display caps, the physical constrains placed on theimmediate surrounding of the existing parking meter, especially thespace above the existing parking meter, the expected viewing angles foror numbers of passers-by near the existing parking meter, and theconsideration for the optionally added sensors in the media display capto acquire signals. As shown in FIG. 22, existing parking meters can berefitted and upgraded such that their functions are improved to providemedia displaying capabilities, and optionally environmental sensingcapabilities when sensors are installed inside the added media displaycaps.

Media Display Screen

In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display caps, parkingpay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms, and methodsdescribed herein include one or more media display screens, or use ofthe same. In some embodiments, a parking pay station media display capor a parking pay station includes one or more media display screensconfigured for viewing by a parking user, e.g., on the front of theparking pay station. In further embodiments, a parking pay station mediadisplay cap or a parking pay station includes 1, 2, 3, or more mediadisplay screens configured for viewing by a parking user. In someembodiments, a parking pay station media display cap or a parking paystation includes one or more media display screens configured forviewing by pedestrians, e.g., on one or more sides and/or the back ofthe parking pay station. In further embodiments, a parking pay stationmedia display cap or a parking pay station includes 1, 2, 3, or moremedia display screens on each of the sides and/or the back of theparking pay station configured for viewing by pedestrians.

Many sizes of media display screens are suitable. In some embodiments, amedia display screen has a size of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, 50, or more inches in the diagonal direction. In a particularembodiment, a suitable media display screen is a 7 inch diagonal screenwith a 16:9 aspect ratio. In another particular embodiment, a suitablemedia display screen is a 19 inch diagonal screen with a 16:9 aspectratio. In another particular embodiment, a suitable media display screenis a 32 inch diagonal screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Multiple orientations of media display screens are suitable. In someembodiments, a media display screen is implemented in a vertical (e.g.,portrait) orientation. In other embodiments, a media display screen isimplemented in a horizontal (e.g., landscape) orientation.

Media

In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display caps, parkingpay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms, and methodsdescribed herein include media, or use of the same. In some embodiments,media is pre-loaded into a parking pay station or a media display capwhen it is installed. In other embodiments, media is loaded into aparking pay station or a media display cap for display by transfer froma physical memory device. In yet other embodiments, media is transmittedto a parking pay station or a media display cap for display via anetwork communications device. In some embodiments, a parking paystation and/or a media display cap comprise a memory to store media fordisplay.

In some embodiments, the media comprises audio such as voice over, soundeffects, music, sound tracks, and the like. Many audio formats aresuitable including, by way of non-limiting examples, MP3, WAV, AIFF, AU,Apple® Lossless, MPEG-4, Windows Media®, Vorbis, AAC, and Real Audio®.

In some embodiments, the media comprises video such as web videos (fromYouTube, Hulu, Vimeo, etc.), movies, television shows, music videos, andthe like. Many video formats are suitable including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, Windows® Media Video (WMV), Windows® Media®,Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG), Audio Video Interleave (AVI),Apple® QuickTime®, RealMedia®, Flash Video, Motion JPEG (M-JPEG), WebM,and Advanced Video Coding High Definition (AVCHD). In other embodiments,video is compressed. Both lossy and lossless video CODECs are suitableincluding, by way of non-limiting examples, DivX™, Cineform, Cinepak,Dirac, DV, FFV1, H.263, H.264, H.264 lossless, JPEG 2000, MPEG-1,MPEG-2, MPEG-4, On2 Technologies (VP5, VP6, VP7, and VP8), RealVideo,Snow lossless, Sorenson Video, Theora, and Windows Media Video (WMV). Insome embodiments, video content is standard-definition. In otherembodiments, video content is high-definition. In further embodiments, ahigh-definition image or video frame includes at least about 1280×about720 pixels or at least about 1920×about 1080 pixels.

Sensors

In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display caps, parkingpay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms, and methodsdescribed herein include one or more sensors, or use of the same. Invarious embodiments, the parking pay station or the media display capcomprises about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more sensors.

An example of a suitable sensor is a camera. In some embodiments, acamera images persons and objects within the vicinity of a parking paystation. In further embodiments, a camera images a parking userinteracting with a pay station. In further embodiments, a camera imagespedestrians (e.g., people other than the parking user) within thevicinity of a parking pay station. In some embodiments, a camera imagesobjects such as one or more vehicles (e.g., bicycles, scooters,skateboards, etc.) near a parking pay station. In some embodiments, acamera images areas such as one or more sidewalks, roads, parks, stores,and/or parking spaces near a parking pay station. Further examples ofsuitable sensors include, by way of non-limiting examples, those thatdetect or measure sound. In some embodiments, a sound sensor detects ormeasures sounds from persons such as parking users and pedestrians,vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, and the like. Furtherexamples of suitable sensors include, by way of non-limiting examples,those that detect or measure the presence of a Bluetooth device,including a cell phone or smart phone.

In some embodiments, a sensor is wirelessly connected to a network inorder to communicate sensor data to one or more remote servers or to acloud computing system or service, to receive instructions or commands,and to send out sensor data. In other embodiments, a sensor isself-powered by a battery. In some embodiments, a sensor is wirelesslycharged. In other embodiments, a sensor is wired to and powered by apower source. In some embodiments, a sensor has a wired connection to anexternal power source, such as a powered DC or a powered parking paystation. In some embodiments, a sensor reads an RFID tag. In furtherembodiments, where a sensor reads an RFID tag, the sensor determinesconfiguration information associated with the sensor and recalibratesitself accordingly. In still further embodiments, the configurationinformation associated with the sensor includes operation parametersaffecting the operation of the sensor, maintenance record of the sensor,and record of data reporting, etc.

In some embodiments, the sensor is a vehicle sensor. In someembodiments, a suitable environmental sensor is any sensor that iscapable of emitting a signal and detecting the signal when it isreflected back from the surface of a vehicle that moves into a singleparking space or multiple parking spaces associated with a parking paystation. Examples of suitable vehicle sensors include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, radar, low power/broad spectrum radar, time offlight sensors, ranging sensors, magnetic sensors, magnetic-fluxsensors, non-intrusive sensors, capacitance sensors, proximity sensors,ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, microwave sensors, and the like.In other embodiments, a vehicle sensor is a mass sensor, e.g., amagnetometer.

In some embodiments, the sensor is an environmental sensor. In someembodiments, a suitable environmental sensor is any sensor that iscapable of making a qualitative assessment or a quantitative measurementof a physical or chemical aspect of the area immediately surrounding themeter. Examples of suitable environmental sensors include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, those that detect or measure atmosphericpressure, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation, flooding,seismic activity, light, UV index, and/or temperature. In otherembodiments, the environmental sensor detects sound, chemicals,including gaseous chemicals or liquid chemicals or solid chemicals, orimages. In some embodiments, the environmental sensor transmitsinformation, such as detected chemicals, via a communications element ofthe parking pay station or the media display cap.

Further examples of suitable environmental sensors include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, those that detect or measure air particulates,air pollution, and/or water pollution. In various embodiments, suitableair pollution sensors include those that detect or measure pathogens,sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), greenhouse gases, carbonmonoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, volatile organic compounds(VOCs), toxic metals (such as lead and mercury), chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs), ammonia (NH₃), ground level ozone (O₃), and/or peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN). In various embodiments, suitable water pollution sensorsinclude those that detect or measure detergents, insecticides,pathogens, hydrocarbons, VOCs, chlorinated solvents, perchlorate,fertilizers, and heavy metals.

Further examples of suitable environmental sensors include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, those that detect or measure chemical agents,biological agents, natural gas, radiation, and/or electromagneticenergy.

In some embodiments, sensors are installed on a plurality of parking paystations throughout a municipality. In further embodiments, thesensor-enabled parking pay stations have communication capability andform a sensor network by transmitting information from a range ofterritory within the municipality to a central management server. Byforming a sensor network, upgraded parking pay stations allow officialsof the municipality to monitor the environment on an ongoing basis or inan emergency. By way of example, a sensor network is optionally used tomonitor point sources of air pollution within the municipality on acontinual basis. By way of further example, a sensor network isoptionally used to monitor spread of radiation within the municipalityduring an act of war or terrorism. By way of further example, a sensornetwork is optionally used to determine the location of gunshots firedwithin a municipality. By way of further example, a sensor network isoptionally used to monitor flooding within the municipality in anextreme weather event.

In some embodiments, the sensor-enabled parking pay stations collectoccupancy data from selected parking lots within the detection range ofeach individual sensor. In some embodiments, the occupancy data comprisethe number of parking spaces occupied, the number of parking spacesstill vacant, and/or the parking time expected or paid for each occupiedparking space. In some embodiments, the collection of the occupancy datacan be periodical, e.g., every ten minutes or hourly, during the peaktime, e.g., during special events or rush hours, in real-time, upon acommand by a manager, e.g., in an emergency. In some embodiments, thecollected occupancy data are communicated to one or more remote serversor to a cloud computing system or service. In some embodiments, thesensor that collects the occupancy data is a vehicle sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensor-enabled parking pay stations collecttraffic data from selected streets within the detection range of eachindividual sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor detects the number ofvehicles passing a specific position on the street within a previouslydetermined time window. In some embodiments, the sensor detects thenumber of vehicles passing an intersection between changes of thetraffic light signals. In some cases, the sensor detects the length oftime of a vehicle remaining on or near the same position on the street,e.g., the length of time for a vehicle to move about 5 meters on thestreet. In some embodiments, the collection of the traffic data can beperiodical, e.g., every ten minutes or hourly, during the peak time,e.g., during special events or rush hours, in real-time, upon a commandby a manager, e.g., in an emergency. In some embodiments, the collectedtraffic data are communicated to one or more remote servers or to acloud computing system or service. In some embodiments, the sensor thatcollects the traffic data is a vehicle sensor. In some embodiments, thesensor that collects the traffic data is a camera.

In some embodiments, the sensor-enabled parking pay stations collectpedestrian data from selected streets or parking lots within thedetection range of each individual sensor. In some embodiments, thepedestrian is a viewer of the advertising displayed by the parking paystation. In some embodiments, the sensor detects the number ofpedestrians passing a specific position on the street within apreviously determined time window. In some embodiments, the sensordetects the number of pedestrians walking over a crossing on the streetbetween changes of the traffic light signals. In some cases, the sensordetects the length of time of a pedestrian remaining on or near the sameposition on the street, e.g., the length of time for a pedestrian tomove about 4 meters on the street. In some embodiments, the sensor,e.g., a camera, detects a viewer, e.g., the user of the parking space ora pedestrian, who watches the advertising displayed on thesensor-enabled parking pay stations. In some embodiments, the sensordetects how long the viewer watches the displayed advertising. In someembodiments, the sensor detects whether the viewer stops watching thedisplayed advertising when the media display changes to a differentadvertising or when the viewer, e.g. a diver, stops filling up hisvehicle. In some embodiments, the sensor detects the characteristics ofor associated with the viewer/pedestrian, e.g., a facial picture of theviewer/pedestrian, the language used by the viewer/pedestrian, thevehicle driven by the viewer/pedestrian, the means to pay for the gas bythe viewer/pedestrian, whether the viewer/pedestrian smokes, whether theviewer/pedestrian uses a Bluetooth device, etc. In some embodiments, thecollection of the pedestrian data can be periodical, e.g., every tenminutes or hourly, during the peak time, e.g., during special events orrush hours, in real-time, upon a command by a manager, e.g., in anemergency. In some embodiments, the collected pedestrian data arecommunicated to one or more remote servers or to a cloud computingsystem or service. In some embodiments, the sensor that collects thepedestrian data is a vehicle sensor. In some embodiments, the sensorthat collects the pedestrian data is a camera. In some embodiments, thesensor that collects the pedestrian data is a sound sensor. In someembodiments, the sensor that collects the pedestrian data is anenvironmental sensor.

In some embodiments, a sensor detecting or measuring the presence of aBluetooth device, including a cell phone or smart phone, interacts withthe detected Bluetooth device within a predetermined range of theparking pay station, e.g., within 10 meters. In some embodiments, thesensor detecting or measuring the presence of a Bluetooth device detectsthe number of Bluetooth devices within a predetermined range of theparking pay station, e.g., within 20 meters. In some embodiments, afterthe sensor detecting or measuring the presence of a Bluetooth devicedetects a Bluetooth device, the parking pay station interacts with theBluetooth device, including a personal mobile device such as a cellphone or smart phone. In some embodiments, the personal mobile device isthat of a parking user or that of a pedestrian/viewer who watches theadvertising. In some embodiments, the parking pay station interacts witha detected Bluetooth device inside or associated with a vehicle, whenthe vehicle is parked in the proximity of the parking pay station or isdriving within a predetermined range of the parking pay station, e.g.,within 20 meters. In some embodiments, the parking pay station interactswith a detected Bluetooth device by sending information to or receivinginformation from the Bluetooth device.

In some embodiments, the data collected from one or more parking paystations are combined and analyze to determine the reactions/behaviorsof an average pedestrian/viewer after watching one or more pieces ofadvertisement. In further embodiments, the data collected from one ormore parking pay stations are combined and analyze to determine whichadvertisement among a plurality of similar advertisements elicits morefavorable response from an average pedestrian/viewer. In someembodiments, the data collected from one or more parking pay stationsare combined and analyze to determine the ranking of popularity of aplurality of similar advertisements among average pedestrians/viewers.In some embodiments, the data collected from one or more parking paystations are combined and analyze to determine or predict the possiblepreference for a pedestrian/viewer having one or more specificcharacteristics when watching a plurality of advertisements. In someembodiments, the data collected from one or more parking pay stationsare combined and analyze to determine or predict which advertisementwould elicit favorable response from a pedestrian/viewer having one ormore specific characteristics when watching a plurality ofadvertisements. In some embodiments, the specific characteristics of apedestrian/viewer are those that can be detected by one or more sensorsof a parking pay station.

In some embodiments, the data collected from one or more parking paystations are combined and analyzed to determine the appropriate parkingrate for one or more parking lots. In some embodiments, the parking ratefor one or more parking lots is determined based on the occupancy data,the traffic data, the pedestrian data, the data of detected Bluetooth,or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the parking rate for oneor more parking lots is determined based on predictions based onpreviously collected data. In some embodiments, the parking rate for oneor more parking lots is determined based on predictions based on bothpreviously collected data and currently collected data.

Media Selection

In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display caps, parkingpay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms, and methodsdescribed herein include selection of media for a particular user, groupof users, location, display screen, month, day, event, or the like. Insome embodiments, media selection is performed at a parking pay station.In further embodiments, media selection is performed by selecting one ormore media from a library of media stored at a parking pay station or aparking pay station media display cap. In other embodiments, mediaselection is performed at a centralized advertising application. Infurther embodiments, media selection is performed by selecting one ormore media from a library of media stored at a parking pay stationadvertising platform or a centralized advertising application.

In some embodiments, media selection is based on financial data, such asa purchase history of an individual. In some embodiments, mediaselection is based on parking data, such as parking history of anindividual. In further embodiments, financial data and/or parking dataare used to identify a demographic characteristic of a parking user inproximity to a media display screen of the parking pay station and themedia is selected based on the demographic characteristic of the parkinguser.

In some embodiments, media selection is based on sensor data, such asimages or a video feed from a camera. In further embodiments, sensordata is used to identify an individual (by for example facialrecognition technology) in proximity to a media display screen of theparking pay station and the media is selected based on a demographiccharacteristic of the individual.

In some embodiments, media selection is based on sensor data, such asimages or a video feed from a camera, proximity sensor data, motiondetector data, magnetometer data, and the like. In further embodiments,sensor data is used to identify an object and/or person in proximity toa media display screen of the parking pay station, such as a car,motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian, and the media is selected based onthe object and/or person.

In some embodiments, media selection is based on sensor data, such asoccupancy data of one or more parking lots, traffic data near one ormore parking lots, traffic congestion data near or at one or moreparking lots/intersections/streets, pedestrian data near or at one ormore parking lots/intersections/streets, pedestrian data related tothose who are watching the advertising, pedestrian data related to thosewho are walking towards or away from one or more parking paystations/parking lots, detected Bluetooth device data, and informationsent from detected Bluetooth devices.

Network Communications Element

In some embodiments, the network communications element includes awireless radio transmitter. In further embodiments, a wireless radiotransmitter suitably utilizes ISM band, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee,iBeacon, cellular (e.g., GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.),IEEE 802.15, WiMAX, or the like, to transmit information. In furtherembodiments, the network communications element includes a wirelessradio transmitter configured to transmit sensor data, parking historydata, parking user financial data, media, and the like.

Server

In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display caps, parkingpay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms, and methodsdescribed herein include a processing device, such as one or moreservers, or use of the same. In further embodiments, the processingdevice includes one or more hardware central processing units (CPUs) orgeneral purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs) that carry out thedevice's functions. In still further embodiments, the processing devicefurther comprises an operating system configured to perform executableinstructions. In some embodiments, the processing device is optionallyconnected to a computer network. In further embodiments, the processingdevice is optionally connected to the Internet such that it accesses theWorld Wide Web. In still further embodiments, the processing device isoptionally connected to a cloud computing infrastructure. In otherembodiments, the processing device is optionally connected to anintranet. In other embodiments, the processing device is optionallyconnected to a data storage device. In accordance with the descriptionherein, suitable processing devices include, by way of non-limitingexamples, server computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, andnotebook computers.

In some embodiments, the processing device includes an operating systemconfigured to perform executable instructions. The operating system is,for example, software, including programs and data, which manages thedevice's hardware and provides services for execution of applications.Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitable server operatingsystems include, by way of non-limiting examples, FreeBSD, OpenBSD,NetBSD®, Linux, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle® Solaris®, WindowsServer®, and Novell® NetWare®. Those of skill in the art will recognizethat suitable personal computer operating systems include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple® Mac OS X®, UNIX®, andUNIX-like operating systems such as GNU/Linux®. In some embodiments, theoperating system is provided by cloud computing.

In some embodiments, the processing device includes a storage and/ormemory device. The storage and/or memory device is one or more physicalapparatuses used to store data or programs on a temporary or permanentbasis. In some embodiments, the device is volatile memory and requirespower to maintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device isnon-volatile memory and retains stored information when the digitalprocessing device is not powered. In further embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, thenon-volatile memory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). Insome embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric randomaccess memory (FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memorycomprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In otherembodiments, the device is a storage device including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magneticdisk drives, magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloudcomputing based storage. In further embodiments, the storage and/ormemory device is a combination of devices such as those disclosedherein.

Non-Transitory Computer Readable Storage Medium

In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display caps, parkingpay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more non-transitory computer readablestorage media encoded with a program including instructions executableby the operating system of an optionally networked digital processingdevice. In further embodiments, a computer readable storage medium is atangible component of a digital processing device. In still furtherembodiments, a computer readable storage medium is optionally removablefrom a digital processing device. In some embodiments, a computerreadable storage medium includes, by way of non-limiting examples,CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, solid state memory, magnetic diskdrives, magnetic tape drives, optical disk drives, cloud computingsystems and services, and the like. In some cases, the program andinstructions are permanently, substantially permanently,semi-permanently, or non-transitorily encoded on the media.

Computer Program

In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display caps, parkingpay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms, and methodsdisclosed herein include at least one computer program, or use of thesame. A computer program includes a sequence of instructions, executablein the digital processing device's CPU, written to perform a specifiedtask. Computer readable instructions may be implemented as programmodules, such as functions, objects, Application Programming Interfaces(APIs), data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. In light of the disclosureprovided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that acomputer program may be written in various versions of variouslanguages.

The functionality of the computer readable instructions may be combinedor distributed as desired in various environments. In some embodiments,a computer program comprises one sequence of instructions. In someembodiments, a computer program comprises a plurality of sequences ofinstructions. In some embodiments, a computer program is provided fromone location. In other embodiments, a computer program is provided froma plurality of locations. In various embodiments, a computer programincludes one or more software modules. In various embodiments, acomputer program includes, in part or in whole, one or more webapplications, one or more mobile applications, one or more standaloneapplications, one or more web browser plug-ins, extensions, add-ins, oradd-ons, or combinations thereof.

Web Application

In some embodiments, a computer program includes a web application. Inlight of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that a web application, in various embodiments, utilizes oneor more software frameworks and one or more database systems. In someembodiments, a web application is created upon a software framework suchas Microsoft® .NET or Ruby on Rails (RoR). In some embodiments, a webapplication utilizes one or more database systems including, by way ofnon-limiting examples, relational, non-relational, object oriented,associative, and XML database systems. In further embodiments, suitablerelational database systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,Microsoft® SQL Server, mySQL™, and Oracle®. Those of skill in the artwill also recognize that a web application, in various embodiments, iswritten in one or more versions of one or more languages. A webapplication may be written in one or more markup languages, presentationdefinition languages, client-side scripting languages, server-sidecoding languages, database query languages, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in amarkup language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), ExtensibleHypertext Markup Language (XHTML), or eXtensible Markup Language (XML).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in apresentation definition language such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aclient-side scripting language such as Asynchronous Javascript and XML(AJAX), Flash® Actionscript, Javascript, or Silverlight. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in aserver-side coding language such as Active Server Pages (ASP),ColdFusion®, Perl, Java™, JavaServer Pages (JSP), Hypertext Preprocessor(PHP), Python™, Ruby, Tcl, Smalltalk, WebDNA®, or Groovy. In someembodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a databasequery language such as Structured Query Language (SQL). In someembodiments, a web application integrates enterprise server productssuch as IBM® Lotus Domino®. In some embodiments, a web applicationincludes a media player element. In various further embodiments, a mediaplayer element utilizes one or more of many suitable multimediatechnologies including, by way of non-limiting examples, Adobe® Flash®,HTML 5, Apple® QuickTime®, Microsoft® Silverlight®, Java™, and Unity®.

Software Modules

In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methodsdisclosed herein include software, server, and/or database modules, oruse of the same. In view of the disclosure provided herein, softwaremodules are created by techniques known to those of skill in the artusing machines, software, and languages known to the art. The softwaremodules disclosed herein are implemented in a multitude of ways. Invarious embodiments, a software module comprises a file, a section ofcode, a programming object, a programming structure, or combinationsthereof. In further various embodiments, a software module comprises aplurality of files, a plurality of sections of code, a plurality ofprogramming objects, a plurality of programming structures, orcombinations thereof. In various embodiments, the one or more softwaremodules comprise, by way of non-limiting examples, a web application, amobile application, and a standalone application. In some embodiments,software modules are in one computer program or application. In otherembodiments, software modules are in more than one computer program orapplication. In some embodiments, software modules are hosted on onemachine. In other embodiments, software modules are hosted on more thanone machine. In further embodiments, software modules are hosted oncloud computing platforms. In some embodiments, software modules arehosted on one or more machines in one location. In other embodiments,software modules are hosted on one or more machines in more than onelocation.

Databases

In some embodiments, the parking pay station media display caps, parkingpay stations, parking pay station advertising platforms, and methodsdisclosed herein include one or more databases, or use of the same. Inview of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art willrecognize that many databases are suitable for storage and retrieval ofparking history, parking user, location, sensor data, media, andadvertising information. In various embodiments, suitable databasesinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, relational databases,non-relational databases, object oriented databases, object databases,entity-relationship model databases, associative databases, and XMLdatabases. Further non-limiting examples include SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL,Oracle, DB2, and Sybase. In some embodiments, a database isinternet-based. In further embodiments, a database is web-based. Instill further embodiments, a database is cloud computing-based. In otherembodiments, a database is based on one or more local computer storagedevices.

Methods for Meter Upgrades Using Media Display Cap

Described herein, in certain embodiments, are methods of upgrading ameter comprising: disengaging a cover housing from the housing base ofan existing meter to expose an internal meter device; removing the coverhousing; replacing the cover housing with a media display cap describedin the present invention; and engaging the housing of the media displaycap with the housing base to cover and enclose the meter device;provided that the media display cap comprising: a housing comprising atop and four sides forming an interior open at the bottom, at least oneside of the housing comprising at least one transparent window; anetwork communications element configured to receive media via thenetwork; and at least one media display screen positioned in theinterior and visible through the window, the media display screenconfigured to display the media received via the network; therebyupgrading the existing parking pay station.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, are methods of upgrading ameter comprising: disengaging a portion of a cover housing from a coverhousing of an existing meter; removing the portion of the cover housing;replacing the portion of the cover housing with a media display capdescribed in the present invention; and engaging the housing of themedia display cap with the remainder of the cover housing base to coverand enclose the meter device; provided that an internal meter device ofthe existing meter is not replaced; provided that the portion of thecover housing replaced comprises less than 75%, 50%, or 25% of the coverhousing; provided that the media display cap comprising: a housingcomprising a top and four sides forming an interior open at the bottom,at least one side of the housing comprising at least one transparentwindow; a network communications element configured to receive media viathe network; at least one media display screen positioned in theinterior and visible through the window, the media display screenconfigured to display the media received via the network; and a powerunit affixed to the media display cap, the power unit supplying power tothe network communications element and the at least one media displayscreen; whereby the meter is upgraded.

The meter upgrade methods described herein generate minimal waste,reduce material and labor costs, and can be complete more quickly thancurrent methods. Importantly, the meter upgrade methods described hereinallow efficient secondary upgrades. In other words, the methods, in someembodiments, contemplate an upgrade to meter that was previouslyupgraded by retrofit of a new meter mechanism (e.g., replacement of theelectronic mechanism within the base housing, with or withoutreplacement of the cover housing).

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein may be employed in practicing the invention.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of operating a multi-space parking paystation, the method comprising: a) identifying a parking user engagedwith a multi-space parking pay station, the multi-space parking paystation one of a plurality of multi-space parking pay stations incommunication with a centralized advertising application; b) determininga first video media based at least in part on the identity of theparking user; c) transmitting the first video media to the multi-spaceparking pay station; d) determining a second video media based at leastin part on the location of the multi-space parking pay station; e)transmitting the second media to the multi-space parking pay station; f)displaying the first video media on a first media display screen of themulti-space parking pay station; and g) displaying the second videomedia on a second media display screen of the multi-space parking paystation.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the centralized advertisingapplication is implemented on at least one server comprising at leastone processor.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the plurality ofmulti-space parking pay stations are in communication with thecentralized advertising application over a wireless network, and whereinthe first video media and the second video media are transmitted to themulti-space parking pay station over the wireless network.
 24. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the first video media is displayed to theparking user on the first media display screen and the second videomedia is displayed to pedestrians on the second media display screen.25. The method of claim 21, comprising upgrading each multi-spaceparking pay station of the plurality of multi-space parking pay stationsby performing steps comprising: a) disengaging an upper portion of anexisting multi-space parking pay station; b) removing the upper portion;and c) replacing the upper potion with a media display cap.
 26. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the media display cap further comprises anadapter on a bottom surface of the media display cap configured tointerface between the media display cap and the existing multi-spaceparking pay station.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the adaptor isremovable.
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein the media display capcomprises a housing comprising: a top and four sides forming aninterior; a first transparent window in a first side of the housing; anda second transparent window in a second side of the housing.
 29. Themethod of claim 28, wherein the first media display screen positioned inthe interior and visible through the first window.
 30. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the second media display screen positioned in theinterior and visible through the second window.
 31. The method of claim21, wherein the first media display screen, the second media displayscreen, or both has a size of at least 7 inches in a diagonal dimension.32. The method of claim 21, comprising receiving sensor data from themulti-space parking pay station.
 33. The method of claim 32, comprisingperforming biometric recognition on the sensor data to identity theparking user.
 34. The method of claim 32, comprising applying one ormore computer vision algorithms to the sensor data to determine one ormore characteristics of at least one pedestrian.
 35. The method of claim34, wherein the second video media is further determined based on theone or more characteristics of the at least one pedestrian.
 36. Themethod of claim 32, comprising applying one or more computer visionalgorithms to the sensor data to identify one or more objects.
 37. Themethod of claim 36, wherein the second video media is further determinedbased on the identification of the one or more objects.